How we partner with God determines a lot in our walk with Him.
Sure, God can supernaturally provide for His kids. (And often does!) But, holistically, He wants us to partner *with* Him as we also depend *on* Him. God values His relationship with us, and also wants us to be actively involved in His Kingdom work.
But what exactly does it mean to partner with God? What does that look like on a daily basis?
Join me (for episode #84) as I share two key practices that will provide clarity and set you up for success!
Show Notes:
Intro
Partnering with God. Chances are, this may sound like a totally foreign concept to you. If so, please know that that is totally okay! At one point, it was a foreign concept to me as well. And even as God began enlightening me in this area, for a while it was also a struggle for a couple of reasons.
One, as Christians, we naturally want to seek God’s will. To ask God questions such as: what does He want us to do in a situation? Is there a specific direction that aligns with His plans? Or, maybe we’re extremely confused, or facing a very difficult situation, and we really need His clarity and help. Whatever the specific situation, we generally want to align ourselves with God, right?
The challenge I ran into with this, though, is that I forgot about being an empowered Christian woman. Yes, praying and seeking God’s will was important. Absolutely. But, afterward, I was allowing myself to sit back and do nothing. And I used excuses as justification. For example, I worried about making the wrong choice. (As if God can’t close a door He doesn’t want me to walk through, or work around events.) I was also kinda acting as if I didn't have free will. As if I couldn’t make a single, little move without God specifically telling me to do so. (Again, not exactly an empowered, Kingdom princess mindset, right?)
The second reason I struggled was because I was a new Christian who happened to be in a church environment where (other than doing the typical good works), the big idea was to sit back and wait for God to do all the heavy lifting. When it came to changing the world and affecting people’s lives, the focus didn’t tend to be on partnering with God. It was on praying and then waiting. Praying for revival, but then waiting on God to move versus taking action to help facilitate it. Praying for people to be Saved, but expecting God to bring the right people into the church building versus members going out into the world.
Versus acting like an empowered church that was partnering with God.
And maybe you’ve experienced something similar to the two struggles I’ve just described - personally and corporately. If so, you’re not alone. Not by a longshot. I’ve walked through this area and I’m sure other women have as well.
Figuring out how to partner with God can be challenging for a whole host of reasons. (Beyond even what I’ve mentioned here.)
But - no matter your particular situation, there are two key practices that are sure to help you change course and set you up for success. These practices stem from my own journey with God as He helped me learn what a partnership with Him looks like on a daily basis.
And there’s nothing complicated or crazy about them. (In fact, I’ve already alluded to them!) They may take a bit of work to implement, but the results are life-changing. Learning how to really, truly partner with God has affected my Christian walk…my journey with God…in so many positive, profound ways.
So on that note, let’s take a closer look at these two key practices.
1) Change Your Mindset
People love to quote Romans 12:2 - “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Yet, I feel like becoming aware of our mindsets, and changing them, isn’t as much of a focus as it maybe should be.
Our mindsets - how we think, what we think, the mental filters that we see and interpret life through - affect a lot. Our perspectives, what choices we make… Basically everything.
This is why, on the podcast, I continually touch upon topics such as the challenges of a victim mindset. (Something a lot of us naturally develop due to our pasts.) Because if we continue to see the world through that victim mindset lens, versus the lens of an empowered Christian woman, then we’re going to continue to act like a victim - even in situations where we aren’t one.
The same is true when it comes to partnering with God. We need to ensure that we have the right mindset. Because if we don’t have the right mindset, then we’re not going to partner with God in the right way.
So, we need to get out of that mental place where we expect God to give us direction AND take care of everything, all the time, without any action on our part.
This concept might sound contradictory. Or even sinful. But think about it like this. If you were on a reality show, and you were paired up with someone to accomplish some important work, what would you expect from that partner? Would you want him or her to simply ask questions without proactively seeking out the answers? Or problem-solving? While waiting on you to provide all of the solutions and do all of the work?
I’m betting the answer is “no,” right? That would be a horrible partnership! And a horrible relationship! Maybe in that scenario you (like God) were capable of doing everything yourself. But what a lost potential of a partnership, right?
God is all about relationships. He doesn't need us to help accomplish His work. But He loves us and wants us to be involved. And there are many, many blessings in that for us.
However, we need to rewire our mindset. We need to think like an active, fully present and willing partner.
How does one achieve this? It takes practice and time. This simply isn’t something that’s likely to completely change overnight. However, as I mentioned earlier, the results are life-changing.
Here are a couple of tips on how to make the change:
First, make a point of being aware of your mindset and thoughts. Awareness is the first step. A lot of the time, we think things without really stopping to analyze them. Especially if it’s a common through pattern. But in order to change something, we first need to identify it. So, as you face certain situations and begin to pray over them, also be cognizant of your mindset. What are you thinking? What are your expectations? Are you expecting God to handle it all? Are you afraid to make a move? Etc. Feel free to note these in a journal, in a Google Doc, or wherever you like to keep notes. If they’re written down, they’re more identifiable.
Second, turn around certain thoughts or thought patterns. Once you’ve identified specific thoughts, work on changing them. For example, if you tend to think something like, “God needs to handle this because I can’t do anything to help solve this problem” change that to “I’m an empowered Christian woman that God wants to partner with.” Feel free to look up Scriptures to remind yourself of that truth.
Taking action will also help to turn around or rewire thought patterns. Which brings me to the second key practice.
2) Seek His Will AND Think Proactively
I used to think that these two things were contradictory. That if I was proactive (or took action) without waiting on God (either for clarity or for Him to simply solve the issue Himself), that I was operating outside of His will. That I was doing something wrong and that He would be displeased with me.
What God taught me, however, was that these two things actually work in tandem. Just because I’m wisely seeking His will, and bringing specific things to Him in prayer, doesn't mean I’m stuck being motionless. That I can’t be proactive. That I can’t be a true partner or empowered Christian woman.
God created me as a smart, strong, high-capable woman who also happens to be extremely good at problem solving. I may not want to get ahead of God, but I am perfectly capable of partnering with Him. And, as His partner (mere mortal though I am), trusting that God will help to keep me on the right path as I take a proactive approach.
God created His Church (i.e., us - His kids) to be active in this fallen world. So, in addition to being a good partner, we need to be proactive in order to fulfill that directive.
Also, God wants us to heal, grow, and become an even bigger force for His Kingdom. As I’ve learned to partner with God, I’ve discovered that a lot of the healing and growth I need to achieve comes by actively partnering with God. There have been times when He just gets in there and changes things internally in a supernatural way. But the majority of my growth has come from trusting in Him while also participating with Him.
Growth means that we’re moving forward. And “moving” is a type of motion, right? Newton's Laws of Motion states that an object at rest remains at rest, and an object in motion remains in motion. And I think that holds true to not just objects but us as well.
If I’m always choosing to not move - to not be proactive in my partnership with God - then that’s going to be my pattern. I’m going to remain at rest, not moving, not growing, not partnering with God, not learning my real value or what I’m capable of. And nothing will really change.
But if I choose to take action, even if it’s exploratory action where I’m looking at possible options or solutions, then I am moving, partnering, growing, and learning more about who God created me to be versus who the world has turned me into (or wants me to be). I’m also discovering what God has for me - internally, growth wise, life wise, calling wise - because I’m acting like an active explorer versus a stationary spectator.
The other thing to keep in mind here is that motion begets motion. In other words, when something (or someone) is moving, it (or they) attracts more movement. For example, someone who’s on fire for Jesus, and actively and passionately being proactive, is going to be much more attractive to a prospective employer, for example. Or will make someone want to connect with them - and who knows what can come from a new friendship?
If we’re in motion, there’s a much bigger likelihood that things will happen.
So, in addition to recalibrating our mindset, we also need to ask ourselves, “What can I do to solve this problem? Or improve this situation? How can I be proactive? Even if it’s just taking a few small steps and seeing what happens.”
And remember, just because you’re taking action doesn’t mean that God won’t guide you or meet you there. He takes His side of the partnership seriously. This isn’t about you doing His bit - it’s about doing yours and trusting Him.
So, even if you can’t see a solution or aren’t sure what to try, take action anyway. Take a few small steps and see what develops. Make a list of various things you can try or people you can contact, and just move forward. Put yourself in motion and see what that attracts.
And, of course, at the same time, keep praying and asking God for clarity, direction, and wisdom. Ask Him to guide your steps as you dive into being proactive. Also, pray over your growth. Ask Him to point out areas that He may be wanting to focus on as you go through your current situation.
And just like with your mindset work, feel free to document your prayers and the actions you take. What have you tried or implemented? Has God shown up in any of the things you’ve done? What experiences, results, or connections have occurred because you’ve been in motion?
Doing an activity like this helps to keep you focused. (And also productive.) But it can also help you see where God is supporting you and transforming you through this overall situation. Not only will it allow you to show gratitude (because you have awareness), but it will help you to clearly see what partnering with God looks like.
Which, in turn will help your mindset to change, and in turn to be more proactive, and the cycle continues.
Wrap-up
Sister, I truly hope that these two key practices - changing your mindset and being proactive as you also seek His will - have helped you see what a real partnership with God looks like.
Again, even as you do your part, God is with you. Loving you, guiding you, supporting you, and cheering you on.
As I said earlier, this change takes time, practice, and patience with yourself. But, it is possible. Especially with His help. I know this from personal experience.
Whether you currently feel like it or not, you are an empowered Christian warrior princess. And that stems from your identity as God’s precious, yet strong and capable daughter. (Not on how you feel about yourself at this moment.) Start leaning into that identity - even if you’re not feeling it right now - and allow God to meet you where you are as you put yourself in motion.
An empowered woman of God is a force to be reckoned with - especially when she knows how to partner with her Creator and Heavenly Father. You can be such a woman.
Believe in that. Trust God. And use your power - along with the tips I’ve shared today - to forge an even stronger bond with God. You are a worthy partner, sister. It’s time to start owning it like the boss you are. Cheers!